Kevin
What are some steps to becoming a well known music artist?
I am a 17 year old artist and want to know what i have to do more of to get known. #music #artist #hip-hop #rap
3 answers
Holly Z.
Holly’s Answer
Well I do not want to be a bearer of bad news. If you are so good go apply at American IDOL or the Voice? They will let you know. Do you know how many people are failing who are great musicans and proven music players? Many. The business has taken a huge decline since our economic downturn. All the record stores have closed, no more CDs basically. The only way you would make it in this field is by finding gigs to start out playing at. Form a band. You must do this live. Beats are not going to get it for you. Dr. Dre has that one. I know many people in this line of work. The money is gone.Unless you are Beyonce or someone like that you cannot make a good living at this as a career. Here is my suggestion to you. If you like music go to college and study music as a minor and find another major. Get as far as you can do this as a hobby on weekends and evenings. If you are good you will make it in music if you are not you will not. Do not put high stakes on this. The most you make at night clubs are about 20 dollars a night depending on the crowd and drinks that the club sells. That is how they do it. If you play at a venue they expect you to bring in a crowd if you cannot deliver that they will not book you. I did booking a long time ago for a very good band however they did not want to give up day jobs to contnue and they all have failed miserably in music. You must be dedicated, good, and have a niche. What is so unique about you that is not about any other rapper? I know you are the best I am trying to tell you please find another career and do this in your spare time. Try booking gigs at local clubs when you are 18. All you have to do is call them on the phone in your area. They will ask how many people you can bring in to watch you perform, how many gigs have you done etc etc. I know much about this business, This life is about dedication, travel, not much money and hard to fulfill. I do not mean to be the one to give you the truth, I do not want you to fail. Go find another career until you can fianance your music career. You are better off so you will always have money then if you make it in music this is the icing on the cake. I am not saying you cannot make it I am saying it is very hard to make it as a huge performer,or entertainer. Go to a drama class or performing arts school, music, broadway, the arts, play an instrument, there are many other choices that go well with music. You can teach music too after you finish college and have a degree. Please do not drop out of school to try and make it as a rapper. Stay in school and finance your own music career until you make it if you do. Either way good luck. I wish you all the best in life. Peace to you.
soundcloud.com/kroc0324 give me your thoughts
Kevin
We've never seen a conversation quite like this one on CareerVillage before. Holly shared some hard truths about how competitive this industry is. Kevin, what do you think about this all? How are you thinking about this potential career at this point? What else do you think would be helpful?
Jared Chung, Admin
Kevin, I am thanking Jared for his help. I want to tell you, my daughter sent me an Easter card and in the card she said MOM thank you for pushing me and making me into the sucessful person I have become. I felt as if I accomplished the world. I want the same for you this is why I am telling you like it is. You are one year until 18. Please whatever you do stay in school. With music. Peace to you.
Holly Z.
I found some good music colleges that take FASFA they offer recording artist, degrees in mixing, I think this migh be what you are seeking. This is called the Sails University. They offer bachelor degrees, in music, recording, mixing, vocals, etc. I will post a list for you.
Holly Z.
The sound of opportunity. The artsinstitute, there are so many do you know how to use google? You put the information into the address bar put in music colleges in your area there so many too list. You can get loans and grants. Make sure they are an accredited college. I am sure you are interested in the one that has mixing recording etc. So you may want to google that. I hope to see you on the big stage good luck.
Holly Z.
I really want to thank you. I'm a person who likes taking the truth. Go into this i knew it was a challenge,so Holly i truly thank you for the help and we really need to stay in contact. Also,thank you for looking for schools for me means a lot
Kevin
:) If those schools do not pan out please come back to career village that is why we are here.
Holly Z.
Jonas L. Harris
Jonas L.’s Answer
It is important to understand the business. Beyond have skills, look into consumer marketing. The music business rarely looks for originality unless you have drive and work for it like St. Louis rapper DeeLee. He took $100 and turn into $100,000 selling his cd for $1. Now he is on tour with Lupe Fiasco. Hardwork beats talent.
Nir Krawczyk
Nir’s Answer
Get on Spotify playlists so you can get random people to listen to your music. There are places you can pay to listen to your music as a sort of audition to get on their playlists.
Unfortunately trying to get famous is very hard work, can be very expensive, and has a very low chance of success. But if you believe in yourself, then don't quit on yourself. Give it your best shot because some, DO make it.